Projected Runnin’ Rebels Lineup

G Jovan Mooring – Scored a game high 31 points in the Rebels win over UNR

F Tervelle Beck

F Shakur Juiston

C Brandon McCoy

Projected Wyoming Lineup

G Cody Kelley

G Justin James

F Hunter Maldonado

F Haydon Dalton – scored 27 points in the Cowboys win over Utah State

F Alan Herndon

Why UNLV Will Win

Coming off a tough two game road trip, which saw UNLV play some of it’s best basketball of the season, the Runnin’ Rebels should be inspired to be back home and playing another important game. Wyoming sits just above them in the standings, so a win would be huge for the Rebels, jumping them up in the standings and getting them closer to securing a first round bye in the conference tournament. If Jordan Johnson, Shakur Juiston and Jovan Mooring can continue their streaks of outstanding play and the Rebels get a bounce back game from Brandon McCoy, they should be able to secure a win against the Cowboys, as they are the more talented team.

Why Wyoming Will Win

After getting hammered by Fresno State, the Cowboys responded by beating Utah State by 18, giving them some momentum heading to Las Vegas. However, in their win over the Aggies, Wyoming only shot 32% from 3-point range. If they are going to win, they will need to be more consistent from long range. UNLV is a much longer and more talented team in the post than the Aggies, so Wyoming won’t be able to get into the lane for easy shots around the rim. That being said, they have the ability to be lethal from long range and that all starts with senior forward Hayden Dalton. If the sharp shooting Dalton, 37% from 3-point range on the season, gets rolling early, that will open up the game for the Cowboys and provide space for the high scoring Justin James to work inside the arch.